New Gas Processing Industry Boosted by Environmental Approval for Dampier Nitrogen

6/12/02 State Development Minister Clive Brown today welcomed news Dampier Nitrogen had achieved environmental approval for its $900million ammonia-urea plant, earmarked for the King Bay-Hearson Cove industrial precinct on the Burrup Peninsula.

6/12/02
State Development Minister Clive Brown today welcomed news Dampier Nitrogen had achieved environmental approval for its $900million ammonia-urea plant, earmarked for the King Bay-Hearson Cove industrial precinct on the Burrup Peninsula.
With projects proposed by Burrup Fertilisers, Methanex and GTL Resources (Liquigaz) also in advanced stages of planning, Mr Brown said Dampier Nitrogen's environmental approval was a significant milestone in the Government's pursuit of its vision of a gas processing hub in the Pilbara, a region which already produces about 10 per cent of the total value of Australia's exports.
"These are exciting times for Western Australia," the Minister said.
"We are on the cusp of the development of a new and exciting gas processing industry, which will bring jobs and new opportunities throughout WA and drive the WA economy for years to come.
"I congratulate Dampier Nitrogen on achieving environmental approval."
Dampier Nitrogen's world-scale plant will produce around 1.2 million tonnes of granular urea and 100,000 tonnes of ammonia each year with revenues around $300million.
Urea is widely used as a granular nitrogen fertiliser, while ammonia is a feedstock for nitrogen fertiliser and other petrochemical products.
Dampier Nitrogen project participants are Agrium Incorporated of Canada, Plenty River Corporation Ltd, Thiess Pty Ltd and Uhde GmbH of Germany.
The project will also benefit from the State's commitment to provide $134million toward multi-user infrastructure to support projects proposed for the King Bay-Hearson Cove industrial precinct. The infrastructure developments include:

  • improvements to Dampier Public Wharf;
  • new deep shipping channel and berthing basin at Dampier Port;
  • multi-user service corridors linking King Bay-Hearson Cove industrial precinct with the port;
  • road improvements to provide safe access to development sites in the industrial area and to improve access to Hearson Cove beach; and
  • large seawater supply and brine discharge facility.
Mr Brown said that subject to commercial considerations, Dampier Nitrogen could begin construction of the ammonia-urea plant in the third quarter of 2003. He said the project would create an estimated 1000 jobs directly during construction with a permanent staff of 130.
The Dampier Nitrogen project has 'Major Project Facilitation Status' from the Federal Government to assist with approvals in Canberra.
Minister's office: 9222 9699